RAPID ASCENTS
RAPID ASCENTS
Expedition Overview
Designed for well-acclimatized climbers in excellent physical condition with prior high-altitude experience. Our 11-day Rapid Ascent via the Normal Route is the most direct path to the summit of Aconcagua.
See Training and Acclimatization
Standard Itinerary: Summit on Day 9, return to Mendoza on Day 11.
With Helicopter Transfers: Summit on Day 8, return to Mendoza on Day 9.
Two additional weather days have been added to maximize your chances of success.
Private Guide on Summit Day (Included)
Each climber has their own private guide on summit day, ensuring you can move at your personal pace and continue to the summit even if others decide to descend.
Team Support & Logistics
When you reach Base Camp (14,500 ft), you’ll be supported by an additional AMG team of guides and climbers who have spent the prior eight days acclimatizing up to 16,000 ft and are ready to climb alongside you. This means additional experienced guides on the mountain to support your summit climb.
Guides
- Private guide on summit day for each climber
- Summit on Day 9
Optional Additions
- Climb with oxygen (Everest O2 systems) Last season, 100% summit success.
- Private guide for the entire trip
- Porters to carry all personal gear
- Helicopter flights to and from Base Camp (shortens the expedition by two days)
The AMG Advantage
- Unmatched guide-to-client ratio: 1 guide for every 3 climbers up to High Camps, then a personal guide for summit day.
- Expert guides, many with 50+ Aconcagua summits.
- All guides carry oxygen, radios, and medical kits.
- Porters carry all group gear (personal porters available).
At High Camps (above Base Camp), you’ll enjoy:
- Insulated Sleeping Domes Custom 5-meter domes, steel frames, foam floors, maximum comfort
- Hot Meals prepared by AMG staff in dedicated kitchen and dining tents
- Connectivity: Free Starlink internet access
- Sanitation: Steel-framed, full-height toilet tents — clean, easy to use, and sheltered
This picture shows the Normal Route Rapid Ascent and each camp on the way to the summit of Aconcagua. The day to day itinerary below makes reference to these locations.For the complete list of services, visit AMG Advantage. (a must read!)
Itinerary
DAY 1 – Mendoza (760m) 2,500 ft
Arrive in Mendoza, where AMG staff greet you at the airport and transfer you to one of the city’s top hotels. At 4 p.m., we hold a welcome meeting, gear check, and slideshow presentation. Our team will assist with any rental needs or last-minute purchases. Enjoy Mendoza’s vibrant dining scene in the evening. (dinner not included).
Overnight: Mendoza
DAY 2 – Mendoza / Los Puquios / Confluencia (3,292 m) 10,800 ft
After breakfast, we drive for approximately three hours to our private ranch, Los Puquios, where you will meet your guide, organize the mule loads, and enjoy lunch. From the park entrance, we hike for about 3.5 hours to Confluencia Camp, carrying only the gear needed for your stay there, such as your sleeping bag and personal items.
Upon arrival, AMG staff will welcome you with refreshments and a brief camp orientation. You will then settle into your pre-arranged accommodation (private glamping tents, dorm-style tents, or two-person mountaineering tents) and enjoy full-board meals, along with complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Afternoon Snack, and Dinner
Overnight: Confluencia
DAY 3 – Confluencia / Plaza de Mulas Base Camp (4,260 m) 14,000 ft
We set off early for the 7–9 hour hike to Plaza de Mulas, following the Horcones Superior River and climbing alongside the Horcones Glacier. The stunning mountain scenery builds anticipation as we reach Base Camp, where hot showers, relaxation domes, and chef-prepared meals await.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Reception, and Dinner
Overnight: Plaza de Mulas Base Camp
DAY 4 – Rest Day or Acclimatization Hike to Camp 1 “Canadá” (4,908 m) 16,100 ft
Today, you can either rest at Base Camp or join an acclimatization hike to Camp Canadá carrying a small load to cache. The switchback trail offers panoramic mountain views, and the return is a gentle descent.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Afternoon Snack, and Dinner
Overnight: Plaza de Mulas
DAY 5 – Plaza de Mulas / Camp 1 “Canadá”
Today, we begin our summit attempt. We move up to Camp Canadá, with porters carrying group gear while you carry personal items (or hire a porter). After 3–4 hours of climbing, we settle into insulated 5-meter sleeping domes to rest while your guides prepare dinner in the dining dome.
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Camp 1 “Canadá”
DAY 6 – Camp “Canadá” / Camp “Nido de Cóndores” (5,243 m) 17,200 ft
DAY 7 – Rest Day at Nido de Cóndores
DAY 8 – Camp Nido de Cóndores / Camp “Cólera” (5,975 m) 19,600 ft
DAY 9 – Cólera / Summit (6,962 m) 22,841 ft / Return to Cólera
Summit day begins before dawn with a hot breakfast in the comfort of our dome tents. We ascend gradually via switchbacks to Independencia Hut, then traverse the West Face to reach the iconic Canaleta gully that takes us to the summit ridge which we follow to the top.
At the summit, a cross marks the highest point in the Americas — time for group photos and celebration! Weather and time determine how long we stay before descending carefully back to Camp Colera.
Trek Duration: 8-12 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Camp “Cólera”
DAY 10 – Camp Cólera / Plaza de Mulas Base Camp
DAY 11 – Plaza de Mulas / Horcones / Mendoza
Our final descent takes 6–7 hours to Horcones, where we meet our vehicle transfer back to Mendoza (3 hours driving). Many climbers and guides meet for a celebratory dinner in the city that evening (dinner not included).
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch.
Overnight: Mendoza
DAY 12 – Mendoza (760 m) 2,492 ft
Breakfast at the Hotel. End of services.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 13 & 14 – Extra Weather Days
Two extra days are built into the schedule to adjust for summit weather windows.
NOTE: The above itinerary is intended as a guideline only. Although every effort will be made to adhere to it, changes may occur due to weather conditions, transport failure, or other unforeseen events.
ALL OUR GUIDES CARRY OXYGEN FOR SUMMIT DAY
ALL OUR GUIDES CARRY OXYGEN FOR SUMMIT DAY
Services Included
Services Not Included
- Climbing permit fee. The Aconcagua Park entrance permit/ascent fee is not included. Permit costs vary according to the climber’s nationality and the selected route.
- Mandatory rescue and evacuation insurance. All climbers must carry insurance that specifically covers rescue and helicopter evacuation, with the appropriate clause clearly included in the policy.
- Trip cancellation and travel insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. Any additional travel insurance for interruption, baggage, delays, or other unforeseen events is also not included.
- International airfare. Round-trip airfare from your home country to Mendoza is not included.
- Airline and airport costs. This includes excess baggage charges, lost luggage, airport taxes, and any airline-related fees.
- Payment and transfer fees. Wire transfer fees, credit card charges, and other administrative or payment-processing surcharges are not included.
- Single room supplement. A single-occupancy room is available at an additional cost.
- Return airport transfer. Transportation from your hotel to the airport after the expedition is not included.
- Extra hotel nights and meals. Any additional accommodation or meals required if the expedition ends early or returns to Mendoza ahead of schedule are not included.
- Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary. This includes lunches and dinners in Mendoza and any other meals not specifically mentioned as included.
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, and personal snacks. Items such as candy bars, energy bars, gels, and specialty sports drinks are not included.
- Personal mountain gear and clothing. Please refer to the gear list for all required personal equipment.
- Personal porter service. Additional porters hired to carry personal gear are not included. We recommend booking this service in advance, as availability may be limited and pricing is usually better when arranged ahead of time.
- Additional personal services or transport. Any extra services not specifically included in the program, such as private transfers, saddle mule service, or extra load transport, are not included.
- Guide and staff tips. Tips for guides and base camp staff are not included.
- Personal expenses. Laundry, extra showers, drinks, tips, and other personal expenses in the city or on the mountain are not included.
- Early departure costs. Any expenses resulting from leaving the expedition early, whether for personal or medical reasons, are not included. This may involve additional hotels, meals, and transportation by mule, vehicle, or helicopter.
- Costs caused by delays beyond AMG’s control. Any expenses resulting from weather, transportation disruptions, governmental measures, or other circumstances beyond AMG’s control are not included.
- Any service not specifically listed as included.
Important Notes
- Permit fees vary and are set by the relevant authorities, based on nationality and route.
- Rescue and evacuation coverage is mandatory, not optional.
- High-quality energy bars, gels, and sports drinks can be difficult to find in Argentina, so we recommend bringing them from your home country.
- Taxis are readily available for the return to the airport, and Uber and Cabify also operate in Mendoza City.
- A detailed schedule of early departure and evacuation costs will be provided with your confirmation materials.
Acclimatization & Training Requirements
ACCLIMATIZATION
Climbers joining a Rapid Ascents Climb must have completed one of the following within the last 4 days before the trip.
- Successfully completed an eight-day acclimatization on a mountain, reaching an elevation of 6,000 meters (20,000 ft).
- Completed a Hypoxico acclimatization process for 4+ weeks, preferably 6 weeks.
AMG provides comprehensive training and acclimatization guidance.
TRAINING
At home. AMG will assist you with a custom acclimatization and training plan. Visit Training & Acclimatization for details.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
The summit climb on Aconcagua does not require previous training in technical climbing skills to participate. We are primarily climbing on trails, but on occasion may use crampons and fixed lines to add safety if the route requires. Guides will provide instruction in the use of crampons in case they may be required.
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
Climbing Aconcagua is a physically challenging undertaking. You will have multiple days carrying loads between 25 lbs. (11kg.) and 40 lbs. (18kg.) and ascending as much as 3,000 ft. (950 m) in a particular day. With less than half the amount of oxygen in the air as at sea level, altitude plays an important role in the physical challenge.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
All these challenges can be overcome through proper training and previous experience camping in cold conditions. You should begin physical training several months prior to your climb by carrying a backpack and slowly increasing the weight and altitude gain on each hike. If you can reach a point where you are comfortable carrying the pack weights mentioned above and ascending 1,000 m (3,000 ft.) in a four to six-hour period, you will be on your way to having the strength and endurance to climb Aconcagua.
SELF-MANAGEMENT
You should also be prepared to take care of yourself in a cold environment. This means knowing how to control your body temperature by hydrating well, putting on different layers of clothing to maintain body heat, and eating sufficiently (regularly throughout the day) to maintain your strength. It is important to learn how to monitor your health and know how you are feeling. We will help you to fine-tune many of these skills as we trek to Base Camp and begin to ascend the mountain.
ALTITUDE CHALLENGE
Last but not least is the altitude challenge. It helps to have climbed high before, (over 4,000-5,000 m (12,000 to 16,000 ft.), but if you will walk slowly, stay hydrated, and monitor your health, guides will be able to assist you in the acclimatization process with a very high likelihood of success. Remember, training for your climb is essential to reaching the summit and having the experience of a lifetime.
Rapid Ascents Scheduled Dates
2026/2027 CLIMBING SCHEDULE
| Rapid Ascents | Guide |
|---|---|
| 03 Dec - 16 Dec | Hernán Rios |
| 09 Dec - 22 Dec | Gabriel Fracchia |
| 16 Dec - 29 Dec | Emilio Abudi |
| 23 Dec - 05 Jan | Juan Araya |
| 02 Jan - 15 Jan | Ruben Barrera |
| 08 Jan - 21 Jan | Emanuel Luquez |
| 15 Jan - 28 Jan | Rodrigo Gutierrez |
| 22 Jan - 04 Feb | to be confirmed |
| 03 Feb - 16 Feb | Ezequiel Di Fabio |
| 10 Feb - 23 Feb | Rodrigo Gutierrez |
BOOK YOUR RAPID ASCENT
Are you ready to summit smarter and faster?
Book your expedition today!
NORMAL ROUTE
| NORMAL ROUTE | Guide |
|---|---|
| 28 Nov - 16 Dec | Hernán Rios |
| 04 Dec - 22 Dec | Gabriel Fracchia |
| 11 Dec - 29 Dec | Emilio Abudi |
| 18 Dec - 05 Jan | Juan Araya |
| 28 Dec - 15 Jan | Ruben Barrera |
| 03 Jan - 21 Jan | Emanuel Luquez |
| 10 Jan - 28 Jan | Rodrigo Gutierrez |
| 17 Jan - 04 Feb | Agustin Coppini |
| 29 Jan - 16 Feb | Ezequiel Di Fabio |
| 05 Feb - 23 Feb | Rodrigo Gutierrez |
Rapid Ascents Climbs
POLISH TRAVERSE 360
| Rapid Ascents | Guide |
|---|---|
| 03 Dec - 16 Dec | Hernán Rios |
| 09 Dec - 22 Dec | Gabriel Fracchia |
| 16 Dec - 29 Dec | Emilio Abudi |
| 23 Dec - 05 Jan | Juan Araya |
| 02 Jan - 15 Jan | Ruben Barrera |
| 08 Jan - 21 Jan | Emanuel Luquez |
| 15 Jan - 28 Jan | Rodrigo Gutierrez |
| 22 Jan - 04 Feb | to be confirmed |
| 03 Feb - 16 Feb | Ezequiel Di Fabio |
| 10 Feb - 23 Feb | Rodrigo Gutierrez |
NORMAL ROUTE
| NORMAL ROUTE | Guide |
|---|---|
| 28 Nov - 16 Dec | Hernán Rios |
| 04 Dec - 22 Dec | Gabriel Fracchia |
| 11 Dec - 29 Dec | Emilio Abudi |
| 18 Dec - 05 Jan | Juan Araya |
| 28 Dec - 15 Jan | Ruben Barrera |
| 03 Jan - 21 Jan | Emanuel Luquez |
| 10 Jan - 28 Jan | Rodrigo Gutierrez |
| 17 Jan - 04 Feb | Agustin Coppini |
| 29 Jan - 16 Feb | Ezequiel Di Fabio |
| 05 Feb - 23 Feb | Rodrigo Gutierrez |
TRAVERSE 360
POLISH TRAVERSE 360
| POLISH 360 TRAVERSE ROUTE | Guide |
|---|---|
| 03 Dec - 22 Dec | Ezequiel Di Fabio |
| 10 Dec - 29 Dec | Gabriel Fracchia |
| 17 Dec - 05 Jan | Rodrigo Gutierrez |
| 27 Dec - 15 Jan | Gonzalo Quiroga |
| 09 Jan - 28 Jan | To be decided |
| 16 Jan - 04 Feb | To be decided |
| 28 Jan - 16 Feb | Emilio Abudi |
| 04 Feb - 23 Feb | Agustin Coppini |
Rapid Ascents Pricing
Coming Soon
BOOK YOUR RAPID ASCENT
Are you ready to summit smarter and faster?
Book your expedition today!
